Publication: Equatorial ionization anomaly characteristics over malaysian region integrated by ground and satellite data
Date
2024-07-01
Authors
Selvakone, Sivanandini
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Abstract
Equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA) is formed when both electric and magnetic fields intersect over the equator, resulting in electron density variabilities.
The ionospheric irregularities disrupt radio communications and satellite operations by causing amplitude and phase scintillations of signals. Hence, the characteristics of the electromagnetic field and EIA must be studied simultaneously to understand the role of electromagnetic field variations on the EIA variabilities. Understanding these characteristics is important to mitigate the effects of the equatorial ionization anomalies on telecommunication and navigation systems. This study explores the periodic variations of electric and magnetic field intensities and their influence on the strength and development of EIA over the Malaysian region. Ground-based magnetometers from MAGDAS and INTERMAGNET systems, along with Swarm satellite data, are utilized for this synergistic analysis. The characteristics of EIA are studied for solar maximum and minimum years of 2015 and 2020, respectively. The investigation revealed diurnal and spatial variations in the EIA’s characteristics highlighting the influence of solar irradiance, space weather, and ionospheric dynamics. Notably, the EIA intensity, as indicated by geomagnetic variations, EEJ, drift velocity, plasma density, and temperature recorded by both sources was 36% higher in 2015 compared to 2020. This integrated approach enhances the understanding of the equatorial ionospheric phenomena and advances the accuracy of ionospheric forecasting models and predictions.